Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers registered, and the second most common cause of death from cancer in New Zealand.
This evidence-based guideline, Management of Early Colorectal Cancer, was funded by the Ministry of Health and developed by the New Zealand Guidelines Group. It provides guidance for secondary and tertiary care practitioners on delivering best-practice care.
The guideline was commissioned by the Ministry as part of its commitment to the implementation of the Cancer Control Strategy. It follows the publication of evidence-based guidelines for the management of melanoma, early breast cancer and suspected cancer in primary care.
This guideline fits within a broader suite of guidelines and programmes developed to support health professionals to care for people with colorectal cancer in New Zealand.